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Updated: Jun 2, 2026
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A Novel Approach for the Administration of Medications and Fluids in Emergency Scenarios and Settings
Published on: November 9, 2016
Essential medicines management during emergencies in Pakistan
S K S Bukhari1, J A R H Qureshi, R Jooma
1World Health Organization, Country Office, Pakistan. bukharik@pak.emro.who.int
Summary
Effective essential medicine management ensured safe and rational healthcare for Pakistan earthquake victims. This involved sustained supply, inventory control, and rational drug use, minimizing waste and ensuring patient access to critical treatments.
Area of Science:
- Disaster medicine
- Public health
- Pharmaceutical management
Background:
- The 2005 Pakistan earthquake caused widespread devastation, necessitating robust health interventions.
- Ensuring access to essential medicines was critical for treating victims and supporting recovery efforts.
Purpose of the Study:
- To illustrate the experiences and strategies of essential medicine management in a post-disaster context.
- To evaluate the safety, rationality, and effectiveness of medicine supply and use following the earthquake.
Main Methods:
- Implementing health interventions focused on medicine access, supply chain sustainability, and rational use.
- Utilizing a computerized logistic support system for inventory control.
- Establishing warehousing facilities with controlled temperature storage across 12 locations.
- Developing and sharing tools for medicine quantification and forecasting.
Main Results:
- Sustained medicine supply and consumption without stock-outs in 56 healthcare facilities.
- Accurate ascertainment of average medicine consumption and costs for the affected population.
- Efficient utilization of medicines and medical supplies, leading to minimal wastage.
- Successful management of donated medicines and expedited procurement processes.
Conclusions:
- The implemented essential medicine management strategies were effective in providing safe, rational, and effective care to earthquake victims.
- Robust supply chain management, inventory control, and rational drug use are crucial for disaster response.
- The developed tools for quantification and forecasting can aid future disaster preparedness and response efforts.
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